The Bennetts Lane Big Band
The Bennetts Lane Big Band is comprised of some of Australia’s most celebrated improvisers and composers, and as such, is Melbourne’s premiere large contemporary jazz ensemble. Since its inception in 1991 it has generated a repertoire of over thirty works encompassing a broad compositional approach, with some pieces exploring facets abstract and conceptual while others reflect the jazz canon. In addition to contributions from its members, the BLBB has commissioned numerous works from external composers including Joe Chindamo, Mace Francis (W.A.) and Marc Hannaford (runner up in the 2006 Wangaratta National Jazz Awards).

The BLBB features Tim Wilson: alto sax (Logic, the Tim Wilson trio), Julien Wilson: tenor sax (winner of the Wangaratta National Jazz Award 1994 and the Freedman Jazz Fellowship 2005, Australian Art Orchestra, Julio and the Stevies), Ian Whitehurst: tenor sax (Andrea Keller Quintet, Donut), Adam Simmons: baritone sax (Adam Simmons Toy Band, Bucketrider), Damien Maughan: trumpet (Blowfish, Descarga), Eugene Ball: trumpet (runner up in the 2003 Wangaratta National Jazz Awards, Hoodangers, Australian Art Orchestra), Shannon Barnett: trombone (Vada, Barnett/Lee/Hendry Trio), Adrian Sherriff: trombone (Australian Art Orchestra, Oynsemble), Andrea Keller: piano (winner of the inaugural Freedman Jazz Fellowship, Aria Award winner 2002; ‘Thirteen Sketches’ and 2003; ‘Microcosmos’), Nick Haywood: bass (Allan Browne Quintet, Browne/Ball/Haywood Trio) and Rajiv Jayaweera: drums (Aaron Choulai Sextet, Julie O’hara).

The Bennetts Lane Big Band has performed at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Wangarratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, and Jazz in the Valley in addition to maintaining its residency at Bennetts Lane on the first Monday of every month.